Good ol' noob mistake

[kerrfunk]

So last month I sold my 82 550L to jonshrader. Before I handed the bike over to him, I thought I'd change the oil and filter, but darnit if that oil drain plug wasn't on so tight I couldn't budge it! I knew that the oil was fairly fresh (there'd been some R/R work a few winter months earlier) so I just changed the filter and turned the bike over to Jon.

After 1,000 miles on my 82 1100GL from ddaniels, I thought Hey, it's a nice day, I'll change the oil and filter. Wouldn't you know it, I spent twenty minutes trying to get that durn oil drain plug loose.

Anybody want to guess what my error was? I'll give you a hint: it rhymes with "heidi-didey, smefty-smoosy"

The story has a happy ending. I have new oil and a new filter in the 1100.

[almarconi]

Don't tell me you were turning it the wrong way

Snap-On makes ratchet handles with a little lever on the back that says ON and OFF, maybe you should buy one

[kerrfunk]

Don't tell me you were turning it the wrong way

Okay, I won't tell you...

Snap-On makes ratchet handles with a little lever on the back that says ON and OFF, maybe you should buy one

1) That upside-down bit always gets me...
2) Do they make one in 19mm that can extend past the pipes?

[almarconi]

Do they make one in 19mm that can extend past the pipes?

Not sure I am following, are the pipes blocking the drain plug on your bike? I know some after market exhaust pipes can get in the way.

If you just need to get below the pipes, you can either use a deep socket or a regular socket with an extension.

I am talking about the handle that has an on/off lever, once it is switched to off it doesn't matter if you are hanging upside down to remove a fastener it will always turn the correct way.

[kerrfunk]

yeah, my bad (again)...

obviously all one would need would be the smart handle.

I don't have a 19mm socket, except for the one that lives under the seat, and it doesn't attach to a socket wrench. I should get a 19mm socket.

[almarconi]

It does help if you have the proper tools.

I think I bought both my snap on ratchet handles used off ebay. They are pricey new but can usually be purchased for a good price used. I believe they have a lifetime warranty. Husky makes decent tools if you are on a budget. Performance Tool is fine also (sold at pep boys..etc).

[kerrfunk]

Oh, I have some socket wrenches, and I know how to use them, I just lack a 19mm socket. But now that I remember that righty-tighty thing, I'm golden. Ha

So in other noob-oil-change-questions...

My supplier gave me a little aluminum ring about the size of a dime when I got the filter and the filter cover's O-ring. What am I sposed to do with that little aluminum ring?

And a PO installed an oil pressure gauge on my bike... what oil pressure should it read when I'm riding normal?

[chuck hahn]

PROBABLY a new oil drain plug seal and to extend the socket lower than the pipes put an EXTENTSON on the socket.. break the plug loose with just the ratchet and socket first because youll get more torque..then when it snaps loose put the extension on and spin it off.. If your threads arent buggered up you should be able to turn it out with your fingers..will get a little oil on your hand but have a rag handy and wipe your hands and the drain plug off!! No biggy.

[Jagir]

that little aluminum ring is a crush washer for your drain plug. You need to pry off the old old one off the drain plug and replace it. Not really necessary everytime...(this is up for debate)

[Baatfam]

Snap-On makes ratchet handles with a little lever on the back that says ON and OFF, maybe you should buy one

I got mine back in 1974...

[chuck hahn]

i dont replace the drain plug gasket unless it starts to leak,,reuse till it does.

[almarconi]

I got mine back in 1974...

That looks very similar to the 1/2" drive one I have except mine does not have the button. They really are excellent quality..I've got several brand ratchet handles but the snap-on is my handle of choice.